8 Hidden U.S. Boating Destinations to Visit This Summer

Say goodbye to overcrowded Lake Lanier in Georgia or Lake Havasu between Arizona and California. This summer, find your own slice of boating heaven away from traffic at these eight lesser-known U.S. boating destinations.

San Juan Islands, Washington

With water clarity reaching up to 50 feet in some areas and an EPA rating of one of the cleanest coastlines in the country, this archipelago is perfect for a secluded boating trip. Within the 172 islands, you can find protected anchorages, daily sightings of orcas and even annual waterfront fireworks.

Fontana Lake, North Carolina

At the edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this more than 10,000-acre lake promises unbeatable views and fewer crowds. Go swimming, soak up mountain views and bring a map (there’s many alcoves and turns).

Thousand Islands, New York

Thousand Islands lies along the St. Lawrence River between the United States and Canada, and visitors here can expect osprey and bald eagle sightings, historical landmarks accessible only by boat, and island-hopping. Water clarity can reach up to 15 feet, too.

Apostle Islands, Wisconsin

A jewel of Lake Superior, Apostle Islands has some pretty dramatic scenery. Outdoor adventurists love these islands, and with more than 30,000 acres to explore, you’ll have no shortage of things to do, like wandering through red sandstone sea caves.

Moosehead Lake, Maine

Maine’s largest lake doesn’t get as crowded as some of the state’s other water destinations. Despite its lesser-known status, the lake has the state’s highest water quality classification and, as its name suggests, you’re likely to spot moose at dawn and dusk.

Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

Boaters wanting to escape crowds and get closer to nature, this park is the place to be. A UNESCO International Biosphere Reserve, the park is home to more than 500 moose, a wolf pack and some of the darkest skies in the Midwest. And with your boat, you’ll find anchorages where you may just be the only boat in the cove.

Chesapeake Bay, Maryland

For a quieter and slower weekend, head to Chesapeake Bay, home to secluded anchorages, nesting osprey and boat-access-only communities without the party atmosphere. In its entirety, the bay offers nearly 4,500 square miles of exploration.

Lake Powell, Utah

With more than 96 canyons and endless sandstone coves, this lake is ideal for travelers wanting peace and days on hidden beaches. The one drawback of Lake Powell, unfortunately, is its recent low water levels, so you’ll need to search whether the launch ramp you plan to use for your boat is accessible.

These lakes were identified in a recent study by Rightboat, analyzing TripAdvisor reviews, publicly available tourism data, geological data and other search data. See the full study here.